Paul David Ims, Jr.

Captain Paul David Ims, Jr., US Navy (Retired), was born on February 3, 1959, and passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2024, after a nearly three-years-long battle with ALS and Frontotemporal Dementia. Paul was a resident of Huntingtown, MD, at the time of his passing and leaves behind his loving and dedicated wife, Meg; four proud children - Paul David, III, (Hollie); Andrew; Christine; and Anna; and two cherished grandchildren: Warren and Audrey. Paul is also survived by his adored mother Dorothy, his siblings Josie (David), Daniel (Mary), Maria (Larry), Peter (Lorinda), and Matthew (Laura), many nieces and nephews, sister-in-law Amy Dallam (Paul Bagli), and countless friends.

Paul was born in Granite Falls, MN, and grew up on his parents' farm, graduating from Echo High School as valedictorian in 1977. He attended the US Naval Academy and earned a BS in Physics as a proud member of the Class of 1981. Paul later earned an MS in Engineering Management from the Catholic University of America. While stationed in Hawaii, Paul met a young nursing student from California on a blind date to an Officers' Christian Fellowship Bible study in 1983, and they married 9 months later. Paul and Meg celebrated 40 years of marriage together in March 2024.

Paul was above all a strong and devoted family man, focused on serving as a role model and provider to his family. A devout Lutheran, he served as a Sunday school teacher, deacon and member of the Board of Directors at First Lutheran Church in Huntingtown for many years. Paul participated in a number of competitive offshore sailing races after retiring from the Navy, which were some of his fondest memories. Paul loved the Navy and all the friendships he and Meg made and retained by attending submarine service events, USNA '81 class events and football games, where they enjoyed staying connected with their extended Naval family. Paul's resilience shone through when he beat Stage IV neuroendocrine carcinoma in 2007, at the age of forty-eight. With unwavering support from Meg, he bravely and courageously battled ALS until the end in his ultimate demonstration of true grit.

Paul served 30 years in the Navy as a Submarine Officer and 11 years with Northrup Grumman at the Director level. Paul's naval career took the growing family to Groton, CT; Virginia Beach, VA; San Diego, CA; Fairfax, VA; and Bremerton, WA; before finally settling in Huntingtown in 2001. Paul's numerous naval career highlights include: Commanding Officer, USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN 730); Executive Officer, USS Topeka (SSN 754); Engineer, USS Spadefish (SSN 668); Reactor Controls Assistant and Weapons Officer, USS Skate (SSN 578). Paul also served in numerous shore billets, including: Flag Lieutenant to the Commander in Chief, US Pacific Command; Deputy Director, Farragut Technical Analysis Center, Office of Naval Intelligence; Program Manager, Unmanned Maritime Vehicle Systems, Naval Sea Systems Command; and Deputy Program Manager for Systems Engineering, Tomahawk Program, Naval Air Systems Command. Paul's final active duty tour was as the Military Assistant to the Principal Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics.

Paul was surrounded by Meg and his children as he departed this life. A memorial service for Captain Ims will be held on Friday, April 25th, 2025, at the US Naval Academy Chapel. Donations in Paul's memory may be made to the ALS Association (ALS.org). Rest in God's presence, Paul, our beloved husband, son, father, brother, grandfather, church member, classmate, friend, and colleague. We would be remiss if we did not close this announcement with a loud and hearty Go Navy! Beat Army!